Skip to content

Home
About
Blog
- Play
- Learn
- Thrive
- Travel
- Lifestyle
Learn with me
Shop

Play. Learn. Thrive.

Child Development

Everything you need to know about play and child development. How to help your child build the skills they need to grow and learn.

Achieving Kindergarten Reading Level Success

Child Development | Learn | Parenting Resources

Achieving Kindergarten Reading Level Success

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023

Ready, Set, Read! A Parent’s Guide to the Second Grade Reading Level

Child Development | Learn | Uncategorized

Ready, Set, Read! A Parent’s Guide to the Second Grade Reading Level

March 18, 2023March 18, 2023

The Best Soil for Mud Play [and why mud play matters]

Child Development | Play

The Best Soil for Mud Play [and why mud play matters]

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

Calming an Overstimulated Child: Tips and Strategies for Parents

Child Development | Parenting Resources | Social & Emotional Development

Calming an Overstimulated Child: Tips and Strategies for Parents

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

A Parents Guide to the Difference Between Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Child Development | parenting | Parenting Resources

A Parents Guide to the Difference Between Fine and Gross Motor Skills

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023

How To Teach Colors To A 2 Year Old

Child Development | Parenting Resources

How To Teach Colors To A 2 Year Old

February 24, 2023February 24, 2023

What Are Critical Thinking Skills? Here’s How to Help Your Kids Develop Them

Child Development | Fostering Life Skills | Parenting Resources

What Are Critical Thinking Skills? Here’s How to Help Your Kids Develop Them

February 23, 2023February 23, 2023

Can Critical Thinking Be Taught? [Yes! Here’s How to Help Your Kids Master It!]

Child Development | Learn

Can Critical Thinking Be Taught? [Yes! Here’s How to Help Your Kids Master It!]

February 6, 2023February 24, 2023

The Importance of Early Childhood Education [Everything you need to know so your child can thrive]

Child Development | education

The Importance of Early Childhood Education [Everything you need to know so your child can thrive]

January 30, 2023February 1, 2023

The Best Montessori Parenting Books: Top Picks for Every Stage

Child Development | Parenting Resources

The Best Montessori Parenting Books: Top Picks for Every Stage

December 4, 2022February 26, 2023

Page navigation

1 2 3 4 Next Page

Together we’ll slow down, stop rushing our kids through life and raise lifelong learners who will become confident and independent adults.

thealannagallo

✨ Screen conscious parenting
✨ Let’s prioritize play + exploration
✨ Mom x 4, former teacher with M.Ed
✨ Check out the shop ⤵️

I feel like this is the answer to so many parentin

I feel like this is the answer to so many parenting problems 🤣 There’s a ton of research explaining why this is true for many people and I’ve definitely found it to be true for our family.

Any day where we spend more time outside is a better day overall. Especially if we get up and out by mid to late morning.

Is this true for your family?

#outdoorkids #nature #natureplay #homeschoolmama #homeschooling #secularhomeschool #forestschool #screenfreekids #screenfreeactivities

What’s your reason? Tell me in the comments! We

What’s your reason? Tell me in the comments!

We are also not what most people think of when they think of homeschoolers 🙃 Feel free to ask me anything about our homeschooling journey!

As a former teacher with a masters in education I’m always happy to share the reasons why we are choosing this path ❤️

#homeschooling #worldschooling #homeschool #homeschoolmom #formerteacher #educator #teacherturnedhomeschooler

Traveling full-time won’t be our forever lifesty

Traveling full-time won’t be our forever lifestyle but for now we love it. But it does come with some downsides and one is lugging all the things to make sure my kids still have some of our beloved toys with us 🤣

What toys do you bring when you travel?

#fulltimetravel #worldschool #worldschooling #toysforkids #travelwithkids #traveltipsandtricks #homeschooling #openendedtoys #openendedplay

Failure is important for kids to experience for se

Failure is important for kids to experience for several key reasons 👇🏻

1️⃣ Resilience and Perseverance: Encountering failure teaches children how to cope with setbacks and challenges. They learn that it’s a part of life and develop the resilience needed to try again and keep going despite obstacles.

2️⃣ Problem-Solving Skills: When children face failure, they are encouraged to think critically and creatively to find solutions. This enhances their problem-solving abilities and helps them become more resourceful.

3️⃣ Humility and Empathy: Experiencing failure fosters humility, helping children understand that success is not always guaranteed and that everyone makes mistakes. This can also build empathy, as they recognize and appreciate the efforts of others who might be struggling.

4️⃣ Confidence and Independence: Overcoming failure independently can boost a child’s confidence and sense of self-efficacy. They realize they have the capability to overcome difficulties, which fosters independence and self-reliance.

5️⃣ Intrinsic Motivation: Failure helps children understand the importance of intrinsic motivation—pursuing goals for personal satisfaction and growth rather than external rewards. This internal drive is crucial for long-term success and happiness.

6️⃣ Realistic Expectations: Experiencing failure helps children develop realistic expectations about life. They learn that not every effort will result in success and that persistence and effort are necessary components of achieving goals.

But a key piece is having an adult who also embraces failure and helps develop growth mindset. Praising their effort, celebrating small wins and helping them see the bigger picture after a failure is our role in making sure we see these positive outcomes from failure vs the opposite outcomes…

#growthmindset #empoweredkids #lifeskillsforkids #embracefailure #homeschooling #parenting #adhdkids #parentingadhd

In today’s fast-paced world, the definition of w

In today’s fast-paced world, the definition of wealth is evolving 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

It is no longer just about money and material possessions. It’s about a life filled with meaningful moments and connections.

True wealth is about living a balanced, meaningful, and intentional life 🙌🏻

What would you add to this list?

#simpleliving #experiencesoverthings #secularhomeschool #familytime #naturekids #intentionalliving #homeschooling #worldschooling #slowchildhood #minimalism #worldschoolers

They literally live IN THE REAL WORLD EVERY DAY. T

They literally live IN THE REAL WORLD EVERY DAY. They interact with all different kinds of people.
They navigate all different kinds of real world situations.
They learn by actually participating in real life vs sitting inside a 4 walled classroom.

It’s really that simple.

As a former teacher with over a decade of classroom experience teaching teens…I promise many kids in the traditional system are no where near prepared to live in the real world 😅

Living life outside the matrix ✌🏻 if that’s your vibe say hi!

#worldschooling #homeschooling #reallifelearning #alternativeeducation #homeeducator #homeeducation #digitalnomadfamily #worldschoolingfamily

Success only comes after REPEATED FAILURE. Kids n

Success only comes after REPEATED FAILURE.

Kids need to be taught that failure is just feedback.

That it is simply part of the process and that the real learning happens AFTER you try to do something and fail.

Remind them that it’s hard to experience but that you have their back.

That is how you develop a growth mindset and the perseverance needed to be successful (in anything).

**This kid is surfing the day after he got sucked into a rip current. It was traumatic for both of us. He was terrified to surf again. But he did it and I’m so proud of him for being able to tackle a massive and terrifying set back head on.

#worldschooling #growthmindset #failureispartofsuccess #alternativeeducation #homeschooling #raisingboys #raisingkids #surfingkids

I’m just gonna be a deinfluencer ok? Your kids d

I’m just gonna be a deinfluencer ok? Your kids don’t need more toys (or Stanley’s 🤦🏼‍♀️).

Minimize your stuff. It’s better for the environment and it’s better for your (and your kids) mental health.

Clutter causes anxiety and stress.
More toys does the opposite of what you think it does.
Your child does not need a “trending” water bottle.

Step off the consumer hamster wheel 🫣

If you absolutely must spend money support a small shop. Feel free to tag your favorite small business in the comments…

That’s all 😂 Thanks for coming to my @ted talk

To all the other families going against the majori

To all the other families going against the majority of society, I see you 👀

What would you add to this list?

#screenfreeactivities #worldschooling #homeschoollife #slowliving #intentionalliving #nomadfamily #limitscreentime #theanxiousgeneration #naturekids

Once you live outside the matrix it’s hard to go

Once you live outside the matrix it’s hard to go back ✌🏻

If you’re a teacher (or parent) who wants to get your family off that hampster wheel give me a 🙌🏻

Our education system is broken AF. If you want to choose something different you can. If you need help figuring out how let me help you.

You (and your family) deserve to live a life that’s purposefully designed—not just doing what everyone else around you is doing (especially if you’re not happy doing it!!)

#worldschooling #formerteacher #teachersofinstagram #alternativeeducation #simplelife #lifebydesign #familytime #digitalnomadfamily #familygoals #parenting

Repeat after me. You are not responsible for keepi

Repeat after me. You are not responsible for keeping your child entertained every waking hour.

The constant overstimulation of screens, adult directed activities and fast-paced life from the time they are born does them zero good.

Let them sit and do NOTHING.

They will be better prepared for the future than most.

#screenfreeactivities #screenfreeparenting #slowparenting #slowliving #worldschooling #homeschooling

As a former teacher who has worked with 1000s of h

As a former teacher who has worked with 1000s of high school kids, I saw with my own eyes the damage too much screen time was doing.

It was that experience that made me vow to be a screen conscious parent for my own kids and what drives me to create content inspiring others to be screen conscious parents.

In order to thrive children need real life experiences, purposeful work, time to be bored, freedom to ask questions, space to explore, and encouragement to take healthy risks.

These are FUNDAMENTAL needs for healthy development.

For years screen time has been slowly stealing these opportunities from our children and now it’s time for parents to rise up and reclaim childhood.

I’m so proud of all the parents fighting the fight against a screen based childhood, and I’m here to support any parent wanting to make a change ❤️

Audio credit @jonathanhaidt and reel inspired by @leafandlearn and @littlefenders two other amazing accounts worthy of a follow ❤️

Who is coming with me and where are we going? Bec

Who is coming with me and where are we going? Because I’m kinda over it 🙃

#intentionalliving #respectfulparenting #homesteadlife #worldschooling #outdoorkids

If you want to raise a kid who loves to read you h

If you want to raise a kid who loves to read you have to create an environment that breeds a love of reading.

And quite frankly our society isn’t doing that for most kids… (ie. schools, screens, overscheduled kids)

Here’s how you can fight back against that…

✅ Have books accessible at all times at home and on the go.
✅ Take regular trips to the library.
✅ Limit screen time especially fast paced TV, video games and gamified learning apps.
✅ Model reading (yes this is possible even with small kids).
✅ Continue to read aloud even as they get older.
✅ Don’t force them to read a certain type of book or make them “prove” what they read to you.
✅ Don’t reward them with stickers or similar for reading a book.

✨Moms of kids who love to read what else would you add?

#raisingreaders #bigkids #kidsreading #readingisfundamental #raisinggoodhumans

I have found my kids play for SIGNIFICANTLY longer

I have found my kids play for SIGNIFICANTLY longer periods of time when they get minimal screen time. We are absolutely not screen free, but we are screen conscious 🙌🏻

😔 My older two (they are 9 and 7) are having a harder time finding friends who aren’t constantly gaming or attached to their devices which is super sad.

❤️ The biggest thing that’s helped us is purposefully seeking out likeminded families! We are out there!!

✨If you’re a screen conscious family tell me your why in the comments!

**And just to be clear…we have multiple ND kids and we don’t even own a tablet. It’s absolutely possible for kids (both neurotypical and neurodivergent) to live life without a tablet even though our society makes you feel like it’s not ❤️

If you need help transitioning from complicated ac

If you need help transitioning from complicated activities for kids to a simplified approach that just allows you to bring your kids along for the ride comment UNPLUGGED and I’ll DM you the link to check out my new membership 🙌🏻

#activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #kidsactivities #activitiesforbabies #screenfreeactivities

I know it’s hard in this tech heavy world. And I

I know it’s hard in this tech heavy world. And I know it gets hard every year your child gets older. But I promise it’s worth it.

Rooting for you and here to support you along your journey ❤️

#screenfreekids #screenfreeactivities #screenfreeparenting #screenfreeplay #screentime #screentimealternatives #screentimelimits #screentimeforkids

If setting up activities for your kids is not your

If setting up activities for your kids is not your vibe and you want a more simple approach comment UNPLUGGED and I’ll DM you a link to check out my “not your average activities” for kids membership 🙃

#activitiesforkids #sensorybin #sensorybinideas #activitiesfortoddlers #montessoriactivity #montessoritoddler #montessoriathome #simplifyparenting #parentinghacks

I hear so many parents stressed about researching,

I hear so many parents stressed about researching, planning and setting up all these fancy activities for kids… and I just need you to know it’s not necessary 👇🏻

If you’re looking for a different approach to activities for kids (that don’t involve a screen) I have the perfect solution for you ❤️

Say goodbye to Pinterest perfect crafts and hello to activities that promote meaningful learning AND give you back precious time.

Comment UNPLUGGED to check out my monthly activities membership that’s going to remove the pressure for you to constantly entertain your kids 👏🏻

…And if you LOVE doing IG activities for kids, Pinterest crafts and themed sensory bins that’s cool. It’s not for me but it’s okay that’s it’s for you ❤️

Welcome to a world where learning and living are b

Welcome to a world where learning and living are beautifully intertwined, parenting is more joyful, and your children are thriving ❤️

Unplugged offers a new way to view activities for kids 👏

🙅‍♀️It's a shift away from highly curated parent-led activities that are simply designed to distract your child so you can get stuff done 👇

🙌 To an approach that allows your child to come alongside you and have meaningful tasks that also teach them valuable skills.

🎉 Comment UNPLUGGED to join for only $17/month (early bird discount only good until June 1!)

We can't wait to welcome you into our community and start this beautiful journey together.

Load More Follow on Instagram

Explore

Copyright © 2026 · Play. Learn. Thrive. · Hearten Made

Home
About
Blog
- Play
- Learn
- Thrive
- Travel
- Lifestyle
Learn with me
Shop